Yep, CNN Anchor Don Lemon is Gay

By: Michael Matson

5.16.2011

In his memoir Transparent, which will be released June 16, CNN Newsroom anchor Don Lemon reveals that he’s gay.

Lemon broke the news of the book’s contents in an interview with the New York Times Sunday. And while his coming out will certainly generate headlines, Lemon's sexual orientation is not news to his coworkers at CNN, where he's never kept it a secret. Still, the Emmy-winning journalist did express fear about the potential negative reaction within the black community.

“It’s quite different for an African-American male,” he said. “It’s about the worst thing you can be in black culture. You’re taught you have to be a man; you have to be masculine. In the black community they think you can pray the gay away.”

Despite his fears, Lemon ultimately made the decision to go public while writing his book. “I abhor hypocrisy. I think if you’re going to be in the business of news, and telling people the truth, of trying to shed light in dark places, then you’ve got to be honest. You’ve got to have the same rules for yourself as you do for everyone else, “ he told the Times.

Lemon was also interviewed by The Advocate. Read that interview by clickinghere.